Matthew 14:17

17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish. ”

Matthew 14:17 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 14:17

And they say unto him
In order to excuse themselves, and to show the impossibility of feeding such a large number of people;

we have here but five loaves;
and these barley ones, coarse bread;

and two fishes;
small ones, which were dried and salted, and fit for present eating; which they either brought along with them for their own refreshment, or rather, were brought thither by a boy to sell, as is usual where a great concourse of people are got together: these words seem to be spoken by Andrew, Simon Peter's brother; who added, "but what are they among so many?" see ( John 6:8 John 6:9 ) not thinking of the power of Christ, who was able to multiply, and make this provision a sufficiency for the whole company.

Matthew 14:17 In-Context

15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves. ”

16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat. ”

17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish. ”

18 And he said, “Bring them here to me. ”

19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.